The Finding of Moses, Pier Dandini (Florence, 1646 – 1712)

Pier Dandini (Florence, 1646 – 1712)

The Finding of Moses

Oil on canvas (87 x 118 cm. – Framed, 102 x 132 cm.)

Provenance: International Palace of Auctions and Exhibitions – Sale of Important Private Collections of High Antiques – Florence, Palazzo Corsini, lot 448 (11 April 1975) *** see photo

Details of the work (click HERE)

The Finding of Moses is one of the most iconographic and studied biblical subjects in the history of art, particularly loved since the Renaissance as one of the most emblematic examples of Divine Providence; taken from a passage from Exodus (2, 1-10), it illustrates the episode in which the daughter of the Pharaoh of Egypt saves the little Moses from the waters of the Nile, and then cares for him and raises him as a prince of Egypt, saving him from the infanticide against the firstborn Hebrews ordered by his father.

At the centre of the scene is portrayed the beautiful princess (often identified as Bithia) wearing regal robes and jewels, accompanied by her maids and royal guards: we see her here immortalised in the moment in which they show her the child and she, moved by great compassion, decides without hesitation to take him home.

The story is permeated by a subtle divine irony: the one who was to be killed by Egyptian order is miraculously saved and welcomed into the court of the Pharaoh, destined later to become the leader of Israel and the liberator of his people from Egyptian slavery.

The work presented here belonged to a historic Florentine collection, offered at an auction of fine antiques in April 1975 held at Palazzo Corsini in Florence.

Given the particular stylistic and typological characteristics of the figures, the work is traditionally attributable to Pietro Dandini (Florence, 1646-1712), a refined painter of the late Tuscan Baroque, known for his theatrical and elegant style, who played an important role in the Florentine artistic panorama of the second half of the seventeenth century.

A prolific and refined painter, he knew how to blend the Florentine tradition with the influences gathered during his formative travels in northern Italy, between Venice, Modena, Parma and Bologna, establishing himself as one of the most appreciated interpreters of the Tuscan Baroque.

The lively chromaticism and the free, lively composition of the figures, together with the physiognomies and the soft rendering of the fabrics, allow us to recognize stylistic aspects attributable to his production.

As can be easily seen in the beautiful painting presented, his art is distinguished by a sophisticated elegance and a profound, often dramatic, spiritualism, intelligently integrating the influences of Pietro da Cortona and Luca Giordano into an energetic language, characterized by a luminous use of color, dynamic compositions, and a theatricality that was well suited to the needs of religious and aristocratic patrons.

He was particularly active among the nobility of the time, and in Florence, Dandini quickly became one of the most sought-after artists, thanks in part to the patronage of the Medici family, particularly Prince Ferdinando and Grand Duke Cosimo III. He also worked for the most important noble families, including the Ginori, Orlandini, Feroni, and Corsini families, who were especially enamoured of his sacred and mythological scenes, animated by elegant and lively figures, which embody a balanced Baroque style, capable of blending devotion and spectacularity.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold complete with a pleasant golden frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.

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